• What are the advantages of having tinted windows?
All of our window films typically offer:
• Up to 99% Ultraviolet (UV) light reduction resulting in:
- Significant fade protection for furniture, carpet, draperies, wood, etc.
- Reduced fabric/textile deterioration
- Reduced exposure to UV radiation, which has been linked to certain cancers.
• Increased shatter resistance resulting in:
- Increased peace of mind
- Increased safety for family & friends
- Heavy gauge security films offer significant benefits from:
- Natural disasters such as violent storms, earthquake, high winds, etc.
- Vandalism, terrorist bombings, smash & grab, etc.
- Scratching/graffiti (glass tagging) on exterior windows, restroom mirrors, elevator doors and glass, and similar flat/smooth surfaces
• Scratch resistant hard coating protects against:
- Accidental abrasion and product deterioration from normal cleaning
- Hazy appearance typical with plastic type materials
• Excellent performance in all climates
Metallized/solar control window film can provide:
• Significantly reduced solar heat gain resulting in:
- Increased comfort
- Reduced air conditioning costs
- Reduced HVAC equipment wear and tear/maintenance
- Increased fade resistance
• Glare reduction
• Daytime privacy
• Attractive accent to home and business windows
• Lower energy demands from utilities resulting in:
- Lower overall energy costs
- Decreased demand for new power generating facilities
- Decreased environmental emissions
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• Does the window film go on the inside or outside of the window?
In most cases, the window film is installed on interior side of the window. Interior application helps the film last longer and protects it from the exterior elements. However, the more durable anti-graffiti films are applied to the exterior of the windows to protect the windows from vandalism, which typically occurs on the exterior side of the windows.
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• Do I need to clean my windows before your tint specialists come out for the film application?
There is nothing you need to do to clean the windows before the installation. Our tint specialists conduct a thorough window cleaning before applying the film to make sure that dirt and other impurities are not trapped between the film and the glass.
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• Are there any chemicals used in the installation?
The film is installed with a soapy water solution. There are no chemicals used.
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• How long will my window tint last?
The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, and direction (N,S,E,W) the window is facing. Quality window films can last 25 years or more.
All of our high quality window films for residential and automotive use are warranted by the film manufacturers for life. Films applied for commercial use are warranted 10 to 15 years depending on film manufacturer. Most of the warranties includes an address to contact the manufacturer directly, however, ProTint stands by all of our products and can process any warranty claim should one arise.
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• Will Window Films Cause Glass To Break?
Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:
- Thermal Stress - from absorption of solar radiation.
- Tensile Stress - from the weight of the glass itself.
- Mechanical Flexing Stress - from wind.
- Impact Stress - from flying objects, hail, baseballs.
- Twisting Stress - from building or window frame sagging or settling.
The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window films will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors which will increase thermal stress such as: partial shading of windows from overhangs, tightly fitting drapes or blinds, signs or decals on windows, heating and cooling vents directed at glass. In addition, different types of glass (annealed versus tempered, clear versus tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress. The window film manufacturers have recommended film-to-glass tables for use by our trained installers to prevent any problems. Listed are some glass types or conditions where the use of a solar control (not clear safety) type of window film is not recommended without extreme caution.
- SINGLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 100 SQUARE FEET.
- DOUBLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 40 SQUARE FEET.
- CLEAR GLASS THICKER THAN 3/8 INCH.
- TINTED GLASS THICKER THAN 1/4 INCH.
- WINDOW FRAMING SYSTEMS OF CONCRETE, SOLID ALUMINUM, OR SOLID STEEL .
- GLASS WHERE SEALANT OR GLAZING COMPOUND HAS HARDENED.
- VISIBLY CHIPPED, CRACKED OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED GLASS.
- REFLECTIVE, WIRED, TEXTURED, OR PATTERNED GLASS.
- TRIPLE PANE GLASS.
- LAMINATED GLASS WINDOWS.
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• How do I clean my windows after film is installed?
Tinted windows are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance. Here are recommendations on how to clean your windows with film applied. You should wait 30 days with residential and commercial applications to clean the inside surface of your windows after the film is applied to ensure proper bonding. For Automotive tint, we recommend waiting at least 2 weeks.
1. Use a soft clean cloth, clean synthetic sponge or soft paper towel.
2. Use a soft cloth or squeegee for drying the window.
3. Use glass cleaning solution which contains no alcohol or abrasive materials.
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• Will window tint make my house or building dark inside?
That depends on which film type is chosen. Window film is available that will allow you to enjoy virtually clear glass with all the fading and heat protection offered by darker, reflective films. We also offer a wide selection of films if you desire a dark film or any shade in between.
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• Will Window Film Really Stop Fading Of Fabrics?
There are six factors affecting fabric fading:
1. Ultraviolet Light
2. Visible Light
3. Heat and Humidity
4. Chemical Vapors (including ozone)
5. Age of Fabric
6. Dye Fastness
Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject 95-99% of solar ultraviolet light.
Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat. With window films, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained.
No window film can totally eliminate fading, however, it can offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.
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• Can my skylights be tinted?
Yes, skylights can be tinted as long as they are made of glass.
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• Will Window Film Kill My House Plants?
In most cases if a house plant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be retarded, and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter colored ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light
• Can the film be removed later if we decide we don't want it anymore?
Unlike factory tinted glass, the Vista Window Film and Llumar Safety and Security Films we offer are attached to the glass by a strong adhesive that allows the film to be removed without damaging the glass at any time.
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• I have a question that's not covered here. How can I find the answer?
Here at ProTint, we are happy to assist you in any way we can. If you would like to ask a question, just
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